Hf or used snap on toolbox

[Shrimp92]

HF 56" 799$ or this

http://northmiss.craigslist.org/tls/3608811109.html

I'm not sure if this is a good deal or not, but that black is sharp!

 

[Exceller8]

You should be able to get that HF box for $699.

 

[burgie]

The US General is a damn nice tool cabinet. Take the $2000 you would have spent fopr something used, buy new and still have ~$1200 for tools...

 

[Hiball]

I'd go with the Snap on.. Cash in Hand, but at 2k that thing would already be gone around here.

 

[cburnscrx]

Unless the Snap On comes with a mechanic in it, or does something other than store tools, I'd pocket the $1300 ($699 coupon) and buy some tools, go on a vacation, ect. In the end it's just tool storage and both products will do the job. That's a lot of money for an emblem.

 

[shocksandstrutz]

depends on what you want, if you really want snap-on and have the cash and thats what will make YOU happy, buy it.....if not and you dont care, then buy the HF.....depends on YOU.....i would rather buy the HF and stock it with 1300 in tools.....you could almost fill it up with new or slightly used tools with that.....or you could have a SO box....

 

[alpinewhite]

.....i would rather buy the HF and stock it with 1300 in tools.....you could almost fill it up with new or slightly used tools with that.....or you could have a SO box....

Why can't my wife realize this about her purses?

 

[HaroRider]

Im currently contemplating the same thing.

 

[shampoop]

I'd go with the Snap on.. Cash in Hand, but at 2k that thing would already be gone around here.

+1 I have a big harbor freight chest. It's good for the money, but definitely not a lifetime tool storage solution. After only 3 years of professional use before i got out of the game, it's pretty battered. I'm eventually going to replace it with a snapon chest.

If you're just a hobbyist who won't actually use it all that often or hold a ton of heavy tools, the HF would probably work fine.

 

[mattmankow]

That SO box is a "Classic" model, not a KRL. You should be able to find a KRL model in that price range. Scour Craigslist and Ebay, economy is bringing a lot of boxes to market now.
I would pass on the HF box. If you ever want to upgrade again the HF box is worthless, where as the SO box always will be worth something to someone. Buy a $2k SO box in good shape, use it, sell it for the $2k or close when you are ready for your next box. I once bought a Mac box used for $500, used it 2 years, traded it on a SO box for $1500. Try that with a HF and see how hard they will laugh!

 

[skulldrinker]

You will be making a life altering decision so choose wisely.

 

[MattPersman]

Home light use or pro? Pro get the snap on but don't pay 2 for that unless its in the box still or comes with a bunch of tools

Light home use you could go either way I rather have the snap on but I also understand about using the money saved to buy tools if you need them

 

[darkk]

$699 HF and still have $1300 left over for some new tools to fill it with...no brainer.

 

[e30bradley]

Buy the snap on box if you like it. I bought a HF box and thought it was a P.O.S. compared to my mid 70's S.O. boxes.

 

[oilfieldtrash4]

+1 I have a big harbor freight chest. It's good for the money, but definitely not a lifetime tool storage solution. After only 3 years of professional use before i got out of the game, it's pretty battered. I'm eventually going to replace it with a snapon chest.

If you're just a hobbyist who won't actually use it all that often or hold a ton of heavy tools, the HF would probably work fine.

You probably opened your tool chest more in a week than I will in a year as a diy.
The diy guy that buys snap on is a damn fool.

 

[oilfieldtrash4]

Buy the snap on box if you like it. I bought a HF box and thought it was a P.O.S. compared to my mid 70's S.O. boxes.

I sold off my 70's snap on box and kept the HF. If both were new the snap on would definitely better. But a 40 year old tool box is too worn out compared to a shiny new HF box.

 

[kythri]

That SO box is a "Classic" model, not a KRL. You should be able to find a KRL model in that price range. Scour Craigslist and Ebay, economy is bringing a lot of boxes to market now.
I would pass on the HF box. If you ever want to upgrade again the HF box is worthless, where as the SO box always will be worth something to someone. Buy a $2k SO box in good shape, use it, sell it for the $2k or close when you are ready for your next box. I once bought a Mac box used for $500, used it 2 years, traded it on a SO box for $1500. Try that with a HF and see how hard they will laugh!

I'm going to have to start questioning how much anyone is really getting in actual, REAL trade-in value, and how much is just part of the whole sales dog and pony show.

When I can walk onto a truck and get $4K-$5K off of a KRL1033, with no trade-in (but part of that money off factored in on a trade-in)? I just got offered this two weeks ago, when I bought a TLL72.

Yeah, I'd start advising people to not worry about future trade-in value on their current box or current purchase consideration. Buy what you want because you want it now and because now is the time for you to buy.

That said, the box in the OP's link? That looks like a KRA2411 with a stainless top.

Retail is $4400 + $675. Asking price is below 50% of retail, so that's a start. I'd rather have that box than the HF box, because the extra drawer depth and the full width drawer are quite important to me.

If I were ready to buy a box, this one for $1500-$1800 would be pretty great. If the seller wasn't budging on price, I'd continue saving for a KRL.

 

[oilfieldtrash4]

Exactly. That's how they get you at the car dealerships. They're giving you X car for under invoice but screwing you royally on your trade in. Or giving you good money on the trade and screwing you on the new car.

 

[Spudland_Dave]

You probably opened your tool chest more in a week than I will in a year as a diy.
The diy guy that buys snap on is a damn fool.

Apparently you must have Styrofoam tools or only a couple screwdrivers and a single hammer.
As a DIY...I've had a nice craftsman 40" top & bottom box for a while now (bought it in 2000/2001)...and i've officially HAD It with this POS joke of a box. Drawers are all so bowed out they rub on the drawer underneath...
Slides are less then new...I'm shopping for a new box now and its gonna be a Macsimizer or nothing at all. Used mighty MAC or New I havent decided yet...truck just got a really nice 1354 I can get a smokin deal on...but i'm not hot on the color.

I would get a Snappy, MAC, Matco, Cornwell, Vidmar, Lista, StorLoc...but never again will I buy some cheap POS box. I'd rather spend 10k on something good then 500 bucks on something cheap.

As for trade in, KYTHRI is exactly right...I bought my Craftsman box off the Snappy truck...it was a trade in. Paid $200 for it in like new condition (new tech, starter box, I was in right place at right time). He had gotten 1k as a trade value...LOL. Snappy guy told me if I wanted it, $200.00 if he didnt need to mess with it at all.

 

[oilfieldtrash4]

Apparently you must have Styrofoam tools or only a couple screwdrivers and a single hammer.
As a DIY...I've had a nice craftsman 40" top & bottom box for a while now (bought it in 2000/2001)...and i've officially HAD It with this POS joke of a box. Drawers are all so bowed out they rub on the drawer underneath...
Slides are less then new...I'm shopping for a new box now and its gonna be a Macsimizer or nothing at all.

I would get a Snappy, MAC, Matco, Cornwell, Vidmar, Lista, StorLoc...but never again will I buy some cheap POS box. I'd rather spend 10k on something good then 500 bucks on something cheap.

I have a decent collection of tools. My top drawer of my HF box is filled to the brim with all my 1/2 sockets, impact sockets, breakers, etc.. and it opens fine. Granted I've only had my box a few months now. Most of the stuff I do involves house repairs not car so I am not in it all the time.

Maybe you should try the HF box before you diss it. There are a few pros here that have gotten a few years or more out of them and they still work.

 

[Spudland_Dave]

Maybe you should try the HF box before you diss it. There are a few pros here that have gotten a few years or more out of them and they still work.

I dont mean to diss the HF box...from what I read it is a good box. BUT no HF around to pick one up at. AND I just dont want to buy an "unknown"...heck I dont even want a lista box anymore because of the plastic slides. The Lista worshippers can tell me all day every day they are excellent slides, but I just dont want em...Thats just me.

For me...PERSONALLY...If I were the OP, I'd be shopping for a KRL or something similar. Its like asking, what do you want...used Corvette or a new Hyundai Accent?

To the OP...do your homework, know what you can spend and shop with that in mind. buy what YOU Want in YOUR garage, not what others tell you to get. My guess is with a little patience you can find a decent KRL or KRA if you want a Snappy...Tech series MAC boxes are very nicely built and seem to go for good prices (as a buyer)...

 

[MattPersman]

Trade in values on truck boxes are high because they sell pretty easy on the truck to other technicians. Many have the perception a used box on a truck is much cheaper and a better value than a new one and in some cases it is but like cars many times a new one can be the same as a used one $ wise.

I have dealt with some tool dealers that if th box was 5 grand retail it was 5 grand to you and anyone on the route. They might give you more trade in value. Others take $ right off the top cause who besides starting techs that don't know any better are going to pay full price on a high profit box. They will likely give you a realistic trade value.

 

[carterbeauford]

The diy guy that buys snap on is a damn fool.

in fact it ought to be a law, write your representatives

I find nothing wrong with assembling an Ikea shelf with a Snap-On nutdriver. their tools and boxes are an ideal fit for my DIY needs. not every homeowner wants a flimsy Craftsman box.

 

[kythri]

The diy guy that buys snap on is a damn fool.

Are they, though? I've got more tools than the HF box will hold.

The way I want to organize my tools, the HF box will be inadequate.

Even though I can buy two HF boxes for less than the big box that I want, I don't want two boxes.

I want a full width drawer or drawers.

I want 24" deep or 30" deep drawers.

I want (and this is a big one) my tools in a single box, rather than multiple boxes. Right now, I'm split between multiple boxes/cabinets, and while things are organized, I don't like HOW they're organized, and I don't like the amount of space taken up by extra cabinets.

On top of all of that, I'd really really like to have all of my tools contained in a box that has a stainless steel work surface, so everything is right there for me (and the option to remove that stainless top and add a top box that increases my storage significantly if needed).

The HF box is a great box. I still hold that Craftsman boxes are pretty good, for the money (and I still have a 26" friction slide combo that hasn't given me any fits).

But, at this point in my tool collection, those boxes don't work for me. If I found a smoking deal on an HF 44" combo or an HF 56" box, I'd consider them, but they'd have to be a SUPER discount past retail/sales price for me to do so.

I don't *NEED* a Snap-On box, but I sure want one. My only fear is that I'd dump the money on a 56" box, and it wouldn't have enough room...

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

I sold off my 70's snap on box and kept the HF. If both were new the snap on would definitely better. But a 40 year old tool box is too worn out compared to a shiny new HF box.

Now that's funny. As if toolboxes wear out according to age.

I'll take all the 40 year old SO boxes I can get and leave you the HF ones.

 

[skulldrinker]

It's a dam battle every time HF and Snap On come up. I'm watching the Hatfields & McCoys.

 

[CNGsaves]

It's a dam battle every time HF and Snap On come up. I'm watching the Hatfields & McCoys.

Yep . . . newbie who hasn't used the Search feature of GJ at all . . .

 

[Davefr]

The diy guy that buys snap on is a damn fool.

DIY guys often have much more need for tool box capacity then professional techs.

DIY can span all these areas:
- Automotive
- Machinist
- HVAC
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Carpentry
- Various hobbies
- Etc,etc,etc

 

[SKAutomotive]

SO boxes blow HF far away. I have had the HF 56" and now have a KRL722 at work and a KRA2422 at home. Save for the SO and have a box for life.

 

[Bryanm]

I have an early eighties Mac box that I aquired from a shop when the owner retired. After a good cleaning, replacing a couple of slides and a good lubing, it works good as new. There is no way a cheap box would last like that. If you have the budget to spend on a good used box then I'd say do it. It will always have a decent resale value if you are ever in the position that you need to sell it and it will last 10X the life of a cheap box.
In my opinion, the idea that it is better to buy a cheaper box and have X amount of dollars to spend on tools is a non issue. The Tool Box is a tool. it allows you to organize and stage in order to better perform repairs.

 

[Don 18]

If you need a box right away, go get the one that is the best price for the value that is immediately available. I bought the HF box and a side cabinet to consolidate tools and it was packed to the gills in no time. I sold it when I found a deal on a KRL and now that is getting pretty full too.

You have to search for the deals though. If I needed a S.O. box right away, it would have cost me a whole lot more.

 

[kythri]

Yep . . . newbie who hasn't used the Search feature of GJ at all . . .

There's no battle, things are quite civil. No need to be try to escalate things.

 

[cburnscrx]

DIY guys often have much more need for tool box capacity then professional techs.

DIY can span all these areas:
- Automotive
- Machinist
- HVAC
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Carpentry
- Various hobbies
- Etc,etc,etc

I've got to agree with you here. I am a "DIY" guy too, and I am our GC, mechanic and lawn care service. I am currently in the process of gutting a house and moving a kitchen while living in it. (NOT RECOMMENDED!). I have so, so many tools. I don't have close to enough storage, and truthfully, I don't think I ever will. I have the HF 44" roller, a chest of drawers, more tool boxes than I can count, a 30" cabinet for power tools (shove in, close door), and a dedicated full size paint cabinet. For example I have...

DeWalt corded drill
DeWalt corded circular saw
DeWalt corded jig saw
Milwaukee corded reciprocating saw
Genesis oscillating tool
Mikita belt sander
Mikita 1//3 sheet sander
Black & Decker grinder
Craftsman mouse sander
Black & Decker 1/3 sheet sander
DeWalt variable speed orbital sander
Milwaukee heat gun
DeWalt 18v hammer drill
DeWalt 18v impact driver
DeWalt 18v drill
DeWalt 18v jig saw
DeWalt 18v reciprocating saw

And that's just power tools, it doesn't count air tools, or the two compressors, ect.

 

[cburnscrx]

If you need a box right away, go get the one that is the best price for the value that is immediately available. I bought the HF box and a side cabinet to consolidate tools and it was packed to the gills in no time. I sold it when I found a deal on a KRL and now that is getting pretty full too.

You have to search for the deals though. If I needed a S.O. box right away, it would have cost me a whole lot more.

Just curious, how much did you get for your used HF box. Mostly trying to figure out the used market price of a HF box. A 44" sold on Craigslist the other night in about 4 hours for $225. I was going to buy another one, but it was gone before I could act on it.

And shopping for a deal is the key no matter what you're buying. There was a used 56" Snap on for $1000 a couple weeks ago, and if you're telling me you can get the Snappy for $300 more than the HF...go for it.

 

[Conductor562]

The Snap-On is the better box even when you factor in it's age. To me this is an individual question. Are you at the point in your life that you have all the tools you realistically need? If so the Snap-On is the way to go. Are you younger and in a position to use the extra $1,300 to really expand your capabilities? If that's the case you may be better off with the HF box. The HF is a nice box, but if you're going to make a living with it I'd go with the Snap-On.

 

[froggert]

The diy guy that buys snap on is a damn fool.

guess i'm a fool then.

i was looking to get the hf 56" box, but came across a deal on an old snap-on box for a few hundred dollars more. i don't ever plan on selling it, but if i had to due to economics or space, it would retain it's value much better than the harbor freight box. ideally, i'd like to pass it on to my son when he's older so he can fix all of my broken stuff.

 

[Shrimp92]

I was too slow, he had sold it. I just saw it yesterday, texted today. I asked if he go what he wanted for it and he said yes. I think I am going to try and hold out for a SO or Matco. Economy is bad enough that there should be deals popping up often. I am currently building my dream shop so I am in no hurry. I wait for the good deal, patiently.

Thanks again guys for the quick and honest responses.

Shrimp

 

[carterbeauford]

It's a dam battle every time HF and Snap On come up. I'm watching the Hatfields & McCoys.

I'll take an Extreme over either one.

 

[cburnscrx]

guess i'm a fool then.

i was looking to get the hf 56" box, but came across a deal on an old snap-on box for a few hundred dollars more. i don't ever plan on selling it, but if i had to due to economics or space, it would retain it's value much better than the harbor freight box. ideally, i'd like to pass it on to my son when he's older so he can fix all of my broken stuff.

For a couple hundred more, it might be a good deal, but even though you don't plan on selling it, you point out the resale value. I really wonder/question this. Sure, you're losing money when you resell the HF box, but I saw a 44" one go this weekend in about 4 hours for $225. I would have bought it if somebody else didn't. They lost 37% of their original investment. Depending on how long they had it, that's not too bad for a depreciating asset. Besides that, in actual cash value they lost $134, which is much more relevant then the percentage loss. So if you bought a Snap On box new for $2500, you'd have to sell it for $1575 to keep with that 37% percent loss. That actually sounds in the ballpark of what used Snap On boxes sell for (dependent on the box). That being said, You're out $925 in actual cash value.

Now, after all that rambling, buy what you want and enjoy it. If we all drove the same car based on transportation costs, what fun would that be?

 

[Shrimp92]

guess i'm a fool then.

i was looking to get the hf 56" box, but came across a deal on an old snap-on box for a few hundred dollars more. i don't ever plan on selling it, but if i had to due to economics or space, it would retain it's value much better than the harbor freight box. ideally, i'd like to pass it on to my son when he's older so he can fix all of my broken stuff.

I feel the value of the snap on would likely retain itself unlike the HF. In other words, 2000 now may yield 1800 later. HF may be 700$ now, $200$ later. Also, the warranty is SO all the way.

As a noob, I wanted feedback for these two specific boxes. My degree is in computer information systems, fully aware of this so-called search function.

Peace.